Ford 2008 F-53 Motorhome Chassis Owner's manual

Introduction 3

Instrument Cluster 8

Warning lights and chimes 8

Gauges 13

Lights 16

Headlamps 16

Turn signal control 17

Bulb replacement 17

Driver Controls 18

Windshield wiper/washer control 18

Steering wheel adjustment 18

Speed control 19

Tires, Wheels and Loading 22

Tire information 22

Tire inflation 24

Vehicle loading 39

Trailer towing 44

Driving 48

Starting 48

Brakes 51

Transmission operation 55

Roadside Emergencies 61

Getting roadside assistance 61

Hazard flasher switch 61

Fuses and relays 62

Changing tires 69

Wheel lug nut torque 75

Jump starting 75

Wrecker towing 80

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Customer Assistance 81

Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 86

Reporting safety defects (Canada only) 87

Cleaning 88

Maintenance and Specifications 89

Engine compartment 90

Engine oil 91

Battery 93

Engine coolant 95

Fuel information 101

Air filter(s) 118

Part numbers 120

Maintenance product specifications and capacities 121

Engine data 124

Index 126

including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval

system or translation in whole or part is not permitted without written

authorization from Ford Motor Company. Ford may change the contents without

notice and without incurring obligation.

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CALIFORNIA Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and

certain vehicle components contain or emit chemicals known to

the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm. In addition, certain fluids contained in vehicles and

certain products of component wear contain or emit chemicals known

to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other

reproductive harm.

PERCHLORATE MATERIAL

Certain components of this vehicle such as airbag modules, seat belt

pretensioners, and button cell batteries may contain Perchlorate Material

– Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal.

See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations on acquiring your new Ford. Please take the time to get

well acquainted with your vehicle by reading this handbook. The more

you know and understand about your vehicle, the greater the safety and

pleasure you will derive from driving it.

For more information on Ford Motor Company and its products visit the

following website:

• In the United States: www.ford.com

• In Canada: www.ford.ca

• In Mexico: www.ford.com.mx

• In Australia: www.ford.com.au

Additional owner information is given in separate publications.

This Owner’s Guide describes every option and model variant available

and therefore some of the items covered may not apply to your

particular vehicle. Furthermore, due to printing cycles it may describe

options before they are generally available.

Remember to pass on the Owner’s Guide when reselling the vehicle. It

is an integral part of the vehicle.

SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

Warning symbols in this guide

How can you reduce the risk of personal injury to yourself or others? In

this guide, answers to such questions are contained in comments

highlighted by the warning triangle symbol. These comments should be

read and observed.

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Warning symbols on your vehicle

When you see this symbol, it is

imperative that you consult the

relevant section of this guide before

touching or attempting adjustment

of any kind.

Protecting the environment

We must all play our part in

protecting the environment. Correct

vehicle usage and the authorized

disposal of waste, cleaning and

lubrication materials are significant

steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this

guide with the tree symbol.

BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE

Your vehicle does not need an extensive break-in. Try not to drive

continuously at the same speed for the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of

new vehicle operation. Vary your speed frequently in order to give the

moving parts a chance to break in.

Drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles (1,600 km) before towing a

trailer. For more detailed information about towing a trailer, refer to

Trailer towing in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.

Do not add friction modifier compounds or special break-in oils since

these additives may prevent piston ring seating. See Engine oil in the

Maintenance and Specifications chapter for more information on oil

usage.

SPECIAL NOTICES

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

For a detailed description of what is covered and what is not covered by

your vehicle’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, refer to the Warranty

Guide that is provided to you along with your Owner’s Guide.

Service Data Recording

Service data recorders in your vehicle are capable of collecting and

storing diagnostic information about your vehicle. This potentially

includes information about the performance or status of various systems

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and modules in the vehicle, such as engine, throttle, steering or brake

systems. In order to properly diagnose and service your vehicle, Ford

Motor Company, Ford of Canada, and service and repair facilities may

access vehicle diagnostic information through a direct connection to your

vehicle when diagnosing or servicing your vehicle.

Event Data Recording

Other modules in your vehicle — event data recorders — are capable of

collecting and storing data during a crash or near crash event. The

recorded information may assist in the investigation of such an event.

The modules may record information about both the vehicle and the

occupants, potentially including information such as:

• how various systems in your vehicle were operating;

• whether or not the driver and passenger seatbelts were buckled;

• how far (if at all) the driver was depressing the accelerator and/or the

brake pedal;

• how fast the vehicle was traveling; and

• where the driver was positioning the steering wheel.

To access this information, special equipment must be directly connected

to the recording modules. Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada do

not access event data recorder information without obtaining consent,

unless pursuant to court order or where required by law enforcement,

other government authorities or other third parties acting with lawful

authority. Other parties may seek to access the information

independently of Ford Motor Company and Ford of Canada.

Notice to owners of Class A Motorhome Vehicles

The Ford Motorhome Chassis is not suitable for producing ambulances or

school buses. In addition, Ford urges manufacturers to follow the

recommendations of the Ford Incomplete Vehicle Manual, Ford Truck

Body Builder’s Layout Book and other pertinent supplements.

Notification of delayed warranty start date and accumulated

mileage

Verify that your authorized dealer has submitted a Notification of

Delayed Warranty Start Date and Accumulated Mileage (FCS 900) to

Ford Motor Company.

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These are some of the symbols you may see on your vehicle.

Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Safety Alert

See Owner’s Guide

Fasten Safety Belt Airbag - Front

Airbag - Side

Child Seat Lower

Anchor

Child Seat Tether

Anchor

Brake System

Anti-Lock Brake System Parking Brake System

Brake Fluid -

Non-Petroleum Based

Parking Aid System

Stability Control System Speed Control

Master Lighting Switch Hazard Warning Flasher

Fog Lamps-Front Fuse Compartment

Fuel Pump Reset Windshield Wash/Wipe

Windshield

Defrost/Demist

Rear Window

Defrost/Demist

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Vehicle Symbol Glossary

Power Windows

Front/Rear

Power Window Lockout

Child Safety Door

Lock/Unlock

Interior Luggage

Compartment Release

Panic Alarm Engine Oil

Engine Coolant

Temperature

Do Not Open When Hot Battery

Avoid Smoking, Flames,

or Sparks

Battery Acid

Explosive Gas Fan Warning

Power Steering Fluid

Maintain Correct Fluid

Level

MAX

MIN

Service Engine Soon Engine Air Filter

Passenger Compartment

Air Filter

Jack

Check Fuel Cap

Low Tire Pressure

Warning

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WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES

Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may

become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may

illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.

Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the

bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the

respective system warning light for additional information.

If your vehicle is equipped with a Diesel engine, it has a unique cluster,

refer to Starting the engine in your 6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct

Injection Turbo Diesel Owner’s Guide Supplement.

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Service engine soon: The Service

engine soon indicator light

illuminates when the ignition is first

turned to the ON position to check

the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for

Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the ⬙Service engine soon⬙

light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no

malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the ⬙Service

engine soon⬙ light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not

ready for I/M testing. See the Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance

(I/M) testing in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.

Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the On Board

Diagnostics System (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On

board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications

chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could

damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid

heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced

immediately by your authorized dealer.

WARNING: Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust

temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel

system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly

causing a fire with the result and risk of serious personal injury.

Electronic throttle control:

Illuminates when the engine has

defaulted to a ⬙limp-home⬙

operation. Report the fault to a

dealer at the earliest opportunity.

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Brake system warning light: To

confirm the brake system warning

light is functional, it will

momentarily illuminate when the

ignition is turned to the ON position

when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,

or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON

position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this

time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination

after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the

brake system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.

WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning

light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking

performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.

Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended

distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and

the risk of personal injury.

Brake reserve system warning (if equipped): Illuminates to indicate

normal Hydromax booster reserve system activation when the engine is

OFF and the service brake pedal is applied.

This light may also illuminate

momentarily if the engine is running

and the driver turns the steering

wheel fully in one direction while

braking.

If the light remains on while the engine is running, this indicates

inadequate hydraulic booster pressure or reserve pump system failure.

Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and seek service immediately by

your authorized dealer.

Anti-lock brake system: If the

ABS light stays illuminated or

continues to flash, a malfunction has

been detected, have the system

serviced immediately by your

authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake

warning light also is illuminated.

P!

BRAKE

ABS

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Safety belt: Reminds you to fasten

your safety belt. A Belt-Minder威

chime will also sound to remind you

to fasten your safety belt.

Charging system: Illuminates when

the battery is not charging properly.

Transmission Tow/Haul Feature:

Illuminates when the Tow/Haul

feature has been activated. Refer to

the Driving chapter for

transmission function and operation. If the light flashes steadily, have the

system serviced immediately, damage to the transmission could occur.

Speed control: Illuminates when

the speed control is activated. Turns

off when the speed control system

is deactivated.

Turn signal: Illuminates when the

left or right turn signal or the

hazard lights are turned on. If the

indicators stay on or flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.

High beams: Illuminates when the

high beam headlamps are turned on.

MINI MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAYS

With the ignition in the ON position, the mini message center, located on

your instrument cluster, displays text messages that alert you to possible

problems or malfunctions in your vehicle’s operating systems.

Note: The following warning messages will reappear on the display every

ten minutes.

Low fuel: Displays when the fuel

level in the fuel tank is at or near

empty (refer to Fuel gauge in this

chapter).

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Check gauge: Displays when any of

the following conditions has

occurred:

• The engine coolant temperature

is high.

• The engine oil pressure is low.

• The fuel gauge is at or near empty.

Language

The language options are English and French. The feature works as

follows:

1. If present language is English,

press and hold the SELECT/RESET

button for 15 seconds or greater to

convert the language selection to

French. The word ⬙FRENCH⬙ will be

displayed for 4 seconds as a confirmation that language has been

changed.

2. If present language is French,

press and hold the SELECT/RESET

button for 15 seconds or greater to

convert the language selection to

English. The word ⬙ENGLISH⬙ will

be displayed for 4 seconds as a confirmation that language has been

changed.

Parking brake on warning chime: Sounds when the parking brake is

set, the engine is running and the vehicle is driven more than 3 mph

(5 km/h).

MINI message center activation chime: Sounds when some warning

messages appear in the message center display for the first time.

Fail safe cooling warning chime: Sounds when CHECK GAUGES is

displayed in the message center and the coolant gage pointer has moved

to hot. Three one second chimes are level 1 warnings. Five one second

chimes are level 2 warnings.

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GAUGES

Speedometer: Indicates the

current vehicle speed. Vehicle

speed is limited to 75 mph.

Engine coolant temperature

gauge: Indicates engine coolant

temperature. At normal operating

temperature, the needle will be in

the normal range (between “H” and

“C”). If it enters the red section,

the engine is overheating. Stop

the vehicle as soon as safely

possible, switch off the engine and let the engine cool.

WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the

engine is running or hot.

Odometer: Registers the total miles

(kilometers) of the vehicle.

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Trip odometer: Registers the miles

(kilometers) of individual journeys.

Press and release the

SELECT/RESET button on the

cluster to toggle between odometer and trip odometer display. To reset,

press and hold for less than 2 seconds.

Engine hour meter: Registers the

accumulated time the engine has

been running.

Press the SELECT/RESET button

until the engine hours display.

Tachometer: Indicates the engine

speed in revolutions per minute.

Driving with your tachometer

pointer continuously at the top of

the scale may damage the engine.

Engine oil pressure gauge:

Indicates engine oil pressure. The

needle should stay in the normal

operating range (between “L” and

“H”). If the needle falls below the

normal range, stop the vehicle, turn

off the engine and check the engine

oil level. Add oil if needed. If the oil

level is correct, have your vehicle checked by your authorized dealer.

Fuel gauge: Indicates

approximately how much fuel is left

in the fuel tank (when the ignition

is in the ON position). The fuel

gauge may vary slightly when the

vehicle is in motion or on a grade.

Refer to Filling the tank in the

Maintenance and Specifications

chapter for more information.

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Transmission fluid temperature gauge: If the gauge is in the:

Normal area (normal) - the

transmission fluid is within the

normal operating temperature

(between “H” and “C”).

Yellow area (warning) — the

transmission fluid is higher than

normal operating temperature. This

can be caused by special operation

conditions (i.e. snowplowing, towing

or off road use). Refer to Special

Operating Conditions in the

scheduled maintenance

information for instructions. Operating the transmission for extended

periods of time with the gauge in the yellow area may cause internal

transmission damage.

Altering the severity of the driving conditions is recommended to lower

the transmission temperature into the normal range.

Red area (over temperature) —

the transmission fluid is overheating.

Stop the vehicle to allow the

temperature to return to normal

range.

If the gauge is operating in the Yellow or Red area, stop the vehicle and

verify the airflow is not restricted such as snow or debris blocking airflow

through the grill. If the gauge continues to show high temperatures, see

your authorized dealer.

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HEADLAMP CONTROL

Turns the lamps off.

Turns on the parking lamps,

instrument panel lamps, license

plate lamps and tail lamps.

Turns the headlamps on.

Daytime running lamps (DRL) (if equipped)

The daytime running light system turns the headlamps on, with a

reduced light output.

To activate:

• the ignition must be in the ON position and

• the headlamp system is in the OFF position or parking lamp position.

WARNING: Always remember to turn on your headlamps at

dusk or during inclement weather. The Daytime Running Light

(DRL) System does not activate your tail lamps and generally may not

provide adequate lighting during these conditions. Failure to activate

your headlamps under these conditions may result in a collision.

High beams

Push the lever toward the

instrument panel to activate. Pull

the lever towards you to deactivate.

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Flash to pass

Pull toward you slightly to activate

and release to deactivate.

PANEL DIMMER CONTROL

Use to adjust the brightness of the

instrument panel and all applicable

switches in the vehicle during

headlamp and parking lamp

operation.

Move the control up or down to

adjust the intensity of the panel

lighting.

Move the control to the full upright

position, past detent, to turn on the interior lamps.

Note: If the battery is disconnected, discharged, or a new battery is

installed, the dimmer switch requires re-calibration. Rotate the dimmer

switch from the full dim position to the full Dome/ON position to reset.

This will ensure that your displays are visible under all lighting

conditions.

TURN SIGNAL CONTROL

• Push down to activate the left

turn signal.

• Push up to activate the right turn

signal.

BULB REPLACEMENT

Replacing exterior bulbs

Check the operation of all the bulbs frequently.

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MULTI-FUNCTION LEVER

Windshield wiper: Rotate the end

of the control away from you to

increase the speed of the wipers;

rotate towards you to decrease the

speed of the wipers.

Windshield washer: Push the end

of the stalk:

• briefly: causes three swipes of the

wipers without washer fluid.

• a quick push and hold: the wipers

will swipe four times with washer fluid.

• a long push and hold: the wipers and washer fluid will be activated for

up to ten seconds.

Note: Do not operate the washer when the washer reservoir is empty.

This may cause the washer pump to overheat. Check the washer fluid

level frequently. Do not operate the wipers when the windshield is dry.

This may scratch the glass, damage the wiper blades and cause the wiper

motor to burn out. Before operating the wiper on a dry windshield,

always use the windshield washer. In freezing weather, be sure the wiper

blades are not frozen to the windshield before operating the wipers.

TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)

To adjust the steering wheel:

1. Pull and hold the steering wheel

release control toward you.

2. Move the steering wheel up or

down until you find the desired

location.

3. Release the steering wheel

release control. This will lock the

steering wheel in position.

WARNING: Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is

moving.

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TRANSMISSION CONTROL

Tow/Haul feature

To activate, press the transmission

control switch (TCS) located on the

gearshift. The TOW/HAUL indicator

light will illuminate in the

instrument cluster. The transmission

will operate in all gears. Press the transmission control switch again to

deactivate Tow/Haul mode. When you shut off and re-start your vehicle,

the transmission will automatically return to normal mode with Tow/Haul

feature deactivated, refer to the Driving chapter for more information.

SPEED CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED)

With speed control set, you can maintain a set speed without keeping

your foot on the accelerator pedal.

WARNING: Do not use the speed control in heavy traffic or on

roads that are winding, slippery or unpaved.

Setting speed control

The controls for using your speed

control are located on the steering

wheel for your convenience.

1. Press the ON control and release

it.

2. Accelerate to the desired speed.

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3. Press the SET ACCEL control

and release it.

4. Take your foot off the accelerator

pedal.

Note:

• Vehicle speed may vary

momentarily when driving up and

down a steep hill.

• If the vehicle speed increases above the set speed on a downhill, you

may want to apply the brakes to reduce the speed.

• If the vehicle speed decreases more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below

your set speed on an uphill, your speed control will disengage.

Resuming a set speed

Press the RES (resume) control and

release it. This will automatically

return the vehicle to the previously

set speed.

Increasing speed while using speed control

There are two ways to set a higher

speed:

• Press and hold the SET ACCEL

control until you get to the

desired speed, then release the

control. You can also use the SET

ACCEL control to operate the

Tap-Up function. Press and

release this control to increase the vehicle set speed in increments by

1 mph (1.6 km/h).

• Use the accelerator pedal to get to the desired speed. When the

vehicle reaches that speed press and release the SET ACCEL control.

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